VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – STIHL Inc., the number one
selling brand of handheld outdoor power equipment in America*, recently welcomed the Virginia Manufacturers Association
(VMA) and several state and local officials to the Virginia Beach plant on
Thursday, October 20, 2011 as part of Virginia’s Manufacturing Appreciation Week.
The visit included a tour of the plant and facility, led by Simon Nance,
training manager for STIHL Inc.
Manufacturing represents $34 billion dollars of Virginia’s gross state
product and employs six percent of the state’s private workers. STIHL alone
employs more than 2,000 people.
“We are honored to host the VMA at our facility in
light of the first Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Virginia,” said Peter
Mueller, executive vice president for STIHL Inc. “The VMA’s focus on
developing policies
on behalf of the industry directly supports STIHL and all other manufacturing
based companies in the state, and we are happy to see their dedication rewarded
by an official proclamation from the governor.”
"STIHL represents the 'platinum standard' in world class
manufacturing. Showcasing this company's facilities, employees, achievements
and leadership was the highlight of Virginia Manufacturing Appreciation
Week," stated Brett Vassey, VMA president and CEO.
Recognizedby Governor Bob McDonnell,
Manufacturing Appreciation Week in the Commonwealth of Virginia
took place October 17 thru October 21.
Among the distinguished guests were elected
officials Senator Harry Blevins, Senator Jeff McWaters and Delegate Bob Purkey.
Scott Tilley, VMA board member and general counsel for STIHL Inc. was also in
attendance.
For more information on the VMA, visit www.vamanufacturers.com.
For more information on STIHL Inc., visit www.stihlusa.com.
About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of
gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America for homeowners and
professional landscapers*, as well as the number one selling brand of chain
saws in the world. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment
retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through
U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more
information or for the name of a local STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO
STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on the STIHL website at
www.stihlusa.com.
*"Number one selling brand" is
based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as
independent consumer research of 2009-2011 U.S. sales and market share data for
the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales
to consumers and commercial landscapers.
STIHL is pleased to support the work of
Independent We
Stand
, the
Tree Research and Education Endowment
Fund (TREE Fund)
,
International Society of Arboriculture
(ISA
), the
Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)
,
National FFA
,
Professional
Landcare Network (PLANET)
, the
American Tree Farm System (ATFS)
,
and the
National
Association of State Park Directors
.
